John Milton, a 17th-century English poet and intellectual, was shaped by the political upheaval of the English Civil War and his devout Puritan faith. Living during a Timeof profound religious and political Change, Milton’s experiences influenced his Epicmasterpiece, "Paradise Lost," published in 1667. The poem, which reimagines the Biblical story of the Fall of man, was initially met with mixed critical reception but soon gained acclaim for its ambitious scope and eloquent Blank verse. Over time, it became a cornerstone of English Literature, influencing the Romantic poets and Enlightenment thinkers. Its themes of Obedience, Free will, and Redemption resonate across cultures, impacting fields from Theologyto literary Criticism, inspiring luminaries like William Blake and Mary Shelley.
Guiding Question
Can free will coexist with divine predestination?